A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
Visual kei rock, ignited by X JAPAN and exploding into a massive boom in the ’90s.
Though it went through a lull, today it has become a firmly established, internationally recognized genre, known abroad simply as “Visual Kei.” Encompassing everything from metal and gothic rock to classical and punk within the “visual kei” package, it enabled a wide range of expression—truly a uniquely Japanese musical genre.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of iconic songs from visual kei bands that symbolize its history!
- A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Masterpieces and popular songs by DIR EN GREY
- [BUCK-TICK Masterpieces] Popular Songs by the Legendary Band with an Overwhelming Presence
- Masterpieces and Popular Songs of X JAPAN
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- Famous and popular songs by MUCC
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- The Aesthetics of Darkness: An Introduction to Gothic Rock — Notable Bands
Masterpieces of Visual Kei: Classic and popular V-Kei rock songs (71–80)
BLOODDEATHGAZE
DEATHGAZE, formed in Nagoya in 2003, is a band with a distinctive sound that pairs down-tuned, heavy, hard tracks with visual kei-style vocals.
This song is an early work that carries a slightly B-movie vibe, but it’s a hidden gem that conveys a raw, unpolished energy.
ivory treeLa’cryma Christi
This is La’cryma Christi’s major-label debut single, marked by its flowing twin-guitar lines and melodies that evoke the feeling of traveling through a distant, foreign land.
Within a delicately beautiful world, as if carved from ivory, it seems to sing of tenderness toward things that fade away.
Many listeners likely felt their hearts burn at the story spun by TAKA’s clear, high-toned vocals.
Released in May 1997, the song was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “Susume! Denpa Shonen.” Its sound balances progressive development with pop sensibilities, making it perfect for nights when you want to immerse yourself in a story.
Why not surrender yourself to this meticulously constructed sonic world?
QueenROUAGE
Shifting from a dreamy intro to piercing, razor-sharp guitar riffs, this is ROUAGE’s major-label debut that epitomizes the Nagoya scene.
The world the song paints—evoking the glamour of a solitary “queen” and the loneliness and inner conflict lurking behind it—is striking, isn’t it? KAZUSHI’s vocals, resonating from deep within, further accentuate its decadent beauty.
Many listeners will likely relate to the duality of light and shadow that everyone carries somewhere in their hearts.
Released in April 1996, the track also reached living rooms nationwide as the ending theme of TV Asahi’s music program “mew.” It’s the perfect song for nights when you want to step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in a slightly dark, decadent tale.
Masterpieces of Visual Kei: Classic, popular songs representing V-kei rock (81–90)
carnationJanne Da Arc
An acoustic ballad in which Yasu’s gentle vocals and warmly supportive guitar tones seep into the heart.
This track is included on the self-produced album ARCADIA, released in July 2004, which reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The lyrics, in which Yasu frankly expresses gratitude to his mother—feelings that are hard to say out loud—are truly moving.
Portraying a universal kind of love that reminds us of a parent’s warmth and kindness, especially felt when living apart, this song may help you speak from the heart when you want to convey appreciation to someone important.
Nephthys feat. CazquiREVIVAL OF THE ERA
REVIVAL OF THE ERA, a rising visual kei rock band that has created a new genre called symphonic metalcore.
Visual kei bands are often said to have lower instrumental or vocal skill compared to other genres, but these guys are different.
They’re a band known for exceptionally tight performance and refined musicality, and “Nephthys feat.
Cazqui” is a masterpiece packed with their charms.
Be sure to check it out.
Coronauchuu sentai NOIZ
A band with the concept of a five-member group that came from space to protect peace on Earth.
Their musical style is all-encompassing, ranging from orthodox rock to mixture and picolimo.
The guitarist YAMATO, who joined partway through, is a GIT Masters award winner and effortlessly pulls off high-speed tapping in their songs.
It’s a fast-paced track overflowing with a positive vibe.
On the morning when the maddened cicadas cried outLAB.THE BASEMENT
A band led by Sakurai Ao, who plays guitar in cali≠gari, taking on vocals himself.
This song overflows with a bittersweet, somewhat 80s-style nostalgic atmosphere—so much so that it feels melancholic.
The music video, like a short film featuring celebrities drawn from Sakurai’s network—including his bandmates and Onan-chan—might just move you to tears.